IHC Bans Stray Dog Killing in Islamabad; Promotes Humane Population Control Policy

Islamabad High Court Bans Stray Dog Killing, Poisoning

The Islamabad High Court has permanently banned campaigns involving poisoning, shooting, or unlawful culling of stray dogs in the federal capital. The court directed authorities to adopt a humane “trap, neuter, vaccinate and release” policy for population control.

Justice Khurram Hashim Somro’s 24-page judgment also mandated that relevant institutions, including the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board and Capital Development Authority (CDA), strictly implement the new policy. The court ruled that no lactating, collar-tagged, healthy or vaccinated dogs should be captured unnecessarily.

The judgment further ordered the creation of a database for dog bite incidents and vaccination records, along with a registry to document animal cruelty cases. Authorities were instructed to improve transparency in records and standard operating procedures at the stray dog population control centre in Tarlai.

The court noted the absence of a uniform national law for animal control in Pakistan, highlighting fragmented provincial systems. It also observed that the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1890 is outdated and requires urgent reform with stricter penalties.

During proceedings, concerns were raised over images of dead dogs allegedly found in CDA vehicles, while officials failed to justify the killing of stray animals on legal grounds. The court emphasized that stray and wild animals are sentient beings and must not be subjected to cruelty, adding that environmental balance and biological protection fall within the constitutional right to life. It further referenced Islamic teachings, stating that cruelty to animals is prohibited and compassion is encouraged.

The petition was filed by Islamabad residents including Nilofar and others, while activist Reham Khan also attended proceedings during the hearings.